Two dairy farms have tested positive for an animal virus, the first such cases in Great Britain.
Shamonda virus (SHAV) is thought to be primarily spread by biting midges and has been detected in cattle in Shropshire and Powys.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), SHAV originated in Nigeria in the 1960s and was found in southern Germany and Switzerland in June 2026.
The Animal and Plant Health Agency said the disease was “not a notifiable or reportable disease” and it coming to the UK “was not unexpected.”
It added “there is currently no evidence to suggest that additional disease-control measures” were needed.
Shamonda virus mainly affects cattle, and causes fever, diarrhoea, lethargy and reduced milk production.
It can also affect goats, sheep and horses.
There have been reports of birth defects and abortions in infant cows when their mothers have become infected during pregnancy, the WHO said.
Speaking after an infection was found in Jersey in September, the Animal and Plant Health Agency said “these signs are not specific to SHAV and may overlap with a range of other endemic and exotic livestock diseases.”
